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Nordic Innovation House is a physical and digital meeting place for Nordic organizations and innovative companies that want to collaborate and benefit from Silicon Valleys's unique innovation climate.

Anna Delin is one of Sweden's representatives on site.

Why is Vinnova on site in Silicon Valley and how can Nordic Innovation House support Swedish companies?

- Silicon Valley is a world-leading center for innovation, research and technology with a strong presence of venture capital. It is a place where technology companies, authorities and world-leading universities collaborate in a unique way. By being here, we learn how the successful Silicon Valley ecosystem works and can support collaborations between Nordic and American actors. We contribute to sharpening Swedish companies to become globally competitive. For startups that want to establish themselves in the American market, we can also be a good landing place when they want to explore their opportunities, says Anna.

What advantages can Nordic companies have in the US?

- The Nordic region has a strong focus on and is successful in innovation and sustainability, for example in medical technology and climate technology. It is interesting for companies and investors located here. They are also interested in the fact that Sweden often ends up high on various innovation indices.

This is how we support Swedish startups

The purpose of Nordic Innovation House, located in the town of Palo Alto near Stanford University, is to be a link between Nordic and American actors, and to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Working under the Nordic umbrella makes the small countries stronger together.

At Nordic Innovation House, various events and meetings are organized for Nordic and American actors, including the annual conference Bifrost. There are special investments for startups.

- Nordic Innovation House offers a physical place to work and a context, but also a valuable network of mentors, investors and potential partners. We have two accelerator programs, TINC and REACH, both of which support startups that want to explore opportunities, scale up and enter the US market.

What is the biggest challenge for a Swedish startup in the US?

- It is to adapt to the fast "Silicon Valley mindset" with a focus on customer acquisition and global scalability. We can provide support in navigating the complex American market, and we connect Nordic actors with the Silicon Valley ecosystem for partnership and knowledge exchange. The companies receive help with, among other things, business development, pitch training, growth hacking, scaling strategies, network building and an understanding of how to raise capital.

Who can be a member of Nordic Innovation House?

- We have over 160 members. Among them are startups, companies, universities and authorities from all the Nordic countries. We often work with a thematic focus on specific areas where we see that the Nordic region as a region can have a big impact. Right now, for example, it is about deeptech and disruptive technologies such as quantum, XR (extended reality) and AI, but also other technologies that can play a decisive role in dealing with societal challenges.

Storytelling is critical to success

Do you have any tips that can help Swedish companies that want to establish themselves in Silicon Valley?

- There are cultural differences between the Nordic region and the US, especially when it comes to work culture and risk-taking. Living and working in Silicon Valley is exciting, it goes quickly here. Silicon Valley has a strong focus on growth, high risk and high return on investments.

Anna thinks for a moment.

- It is also important to have a story that evokes emotions connected to one's company. People expect to be personally engaged before they invest in you.

This article was first published on 4 November by Vinnova.